When (and How) to Say “No” To Opportunities
Mastering the art of saying "No" to opportunities can be a game-changer. It's about discerning what truly aligns with your goals and values, and having the courage to decline what doesn't. Let's delve into the when and how of this crucial skill.
Knowing which opportunities to accept and which ones to turn down can be a challenge.
Being deliberate in how you make decisions can be the difference between a successful and fulfilling life, and one that is significantly less so. To better weigh your…
- Ask some of the ultra-successful guests on the podcast about how they go about making decisions.
Adopt some hard rules
The act of making decisions requires a lot of energy
- Research into decision fatigue suggests that the more decisions we make over a day, the worse our decision-making becomes due to limited willpower reserves
- Frame your rules with the words “I don’t…” to make it feel like the rule is part of your identity
- Consider your strengths and type of activities that energize you
Outsmart the pleasure principle
Avoid saying yes to an opportunity simply because it is in the distant future, at a time when your schedule is pleasantly empty
- When we immediately say yes, we are met with a positive response from the requester, which makes us feel good – especially if we have a habit of people pleasing
- However, pain shows up later down the line, when we actually have to follow through
Estimate the time (generously).
When we are deciding whether to do something, we tend to focus on the visible and exciting part. The majority of the time commitment sits hidden below the surface.
- Think about the whole iceberg, not just what sits above the surface when deciding whether or not to say yes.